Prediction: North Macedonia vs Scotland

North Macedonia and Scotland will both be desperate to get their UEFA Nations League campaigns moving when they meet in Skopje on Saturday in League B Group 1.

Neither nation has managed a victory so far, and with Switzerland already setting the pace at the top of the group, this fixture is taking on added importance in the battle to avoid being left behind.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia have made a disappointing start to life in League B, collecting no points and failing to score in either of their opening fixtures.

The Lynxes suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Switzerland before following that result with a 2-0 loss away to Slovenia, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the group heading into the weekend.

Perhaps most worrying is the lack of attacking output. North Macedonia have now failed to score in six consecutive international matches, establishing an unwanted national record. For a side that earned promotion from League C not long ago, that prolonged drought is becoming a serious concern.

Home form has traditionally been a source of strength, though. Prior to the defeat against Switzerland, the Lynxes had not lost consecutive home fixtures since 2019, giving them something to build upon ahead of Scotland’s visit.

Team News

Head coach Goce Sedloski remains under pressure after overseeing five matches without a victory since taking charge. Fresh improvement is required if North Macedonia are to avoid an immediate battle against relegation.

The hosts will be without both Boban Nikolov and Ezgjan Alioski, with the latter sidelined through a calf injury. Experienced captain Enis Bardhi is set to win his 84th cap, while teenage midfielder Matej Gashtarov should continue in the engine room after an encouraging start to the campaign.

Scotland

Scotland’s start under Sebastien Pocognoli has also fallen short of expectations.

The Belgian coach opened his reign with a goalless draw against Slovenia before watching his side suffer a 3-0 home defeat to Switzerland on Tuesday night. Any hopes of taking something from that contest disappeared early when Jack Hendry was shown a red card, forcing Scotland to play the vast majority of the match with 10 men.

The result extended a worrying run in front of goal. Scotland have now failed to score in four successive matches, including World Cup defeats to Brazil and Morocco earlier this year.

Despite those struggles, there are reasons for optimism. Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup and possess a squad with more international experience than their hosts. Their recent record against North Macedonia is also encouraging, with the Scots unbeaten in the last three meetings between the nations.

Team News

Pocognoli will be forced into at least one change due to Hendry’s suspension. Billy Gilmour could feature alongside Lewis Ferguson in midfield, while Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure and Kieron Bowie are competing for attacking roles.

Andy Robertson is set to reach a major milestone by earning his 100th international cap, moving ever closer to Scotland’s all-time appearance record.

Key Factors to Consider

• North Macedonia have failed to score in their last six international matches.
• The hosts have lost both of their Nations League fixtures without finding the net.
• Scotland are also enduring a four-match scoring drought.
• Sebastien Pocognoli is still searching for his first victory as Scotland manager.
• The Scots are unbeaten in their last three meetings with North Macedonia.
• Andy Robertson could earn his 100th international cap.

Conclusion

Goals have been extremely difficult to come by for both teams, and that trend suggests this is unlikely to become an open or high-scoring affair.

North Macedonia will hope home advantage helps them finally end their scoring drought, but Scotland arguably possess greater quality throughout the squad and should be better equipped to handle the pressure of a crucial early group fixture.

Expect a tense encounter in Skopje, with Scotland potentially doing just enough to claim a narrow victory and record their first win under Pocognoli.

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